should I or shouldn't I ?

Question

I have a miniature chihuahua (short hair) and of course she is an indoor dog. She sheds soo bad during the summer that I can't stand it. Is it un healthy to shave her because she is an indoor dog or should I just let nature take it's course? Also I think she is showing signs of tracheal collapse. She gags and coughs when she gets excited and playful. Has anyone had a dog with this also?

Answer 1

Just a note - there is no such thing as a miniature chihuahua. The only breed designations are long haired and short haired.

Shaving will not stop the shedding. Chis are known shedders pretty much year round. Proper nutrition (like BLue Buffalo or Natural Balance) can help reduce shedding. As can frequent brushing sessions.

As far as tracheal collapse, speak with a vet about this.

Answer 2

There is nothing wrong with shaving a short haired chihuahua. I use a #10 all over, making sure that I don't over shave certain areas for fear of razor burn. For double coated dogs with long fur coats, I normally advise customers to keep their hair long.

I've worked on dogs with breathing problems who have very bad mouth odor. It's fairly common with Yorkshire Terriers, Bulldogs, and Pugs. I'd have your veterinarian check your Chihuahua's breathing passages to see if its a tracheal collapse as soon as possible. With a medical condition like this, it can be fatal. Don't take chances.

My advise is use a harness as a lead, not a collar or choke chain.

Answer 3

Shaving the dog could result in problems down the road. Some coats will grow back sparse or patchy and can contribute to a variety of skin conditions. She's a short hair coat anyway, just brush her regularly this will help with the hair. Are you seeing signs of difficulty when she eats or drinks? Is she losing weight? It could be something other than a collapsing trachea, could be heart worm disease or a number of things, which only a vet could determine. Consider scheduling an appointment soon.

Answer 4

My puppy always gags and vomits when he is playful because 1. He is thirsty. 2. He is out of air from playing 3. You know how some people run, get energetic, they might gag, just like dogs.

For the coughing thing, just maybe take your pup to the groomers, or if you want to save money, than but a shed-ender brush or medication! =]]

Answer 5

We have a Jack Russell Terrier, indoor, short hair dog. We shave him occasionally when the season changes, because he seems so hot sometimes, and my husband can't stand all the shedding... If you shave her now, her coat will grow in for the season that you are in...

Answer 6

OH come on..................You have a shedding problem with a short hair Chihuahua? You have to shave her? YEAH, Sure you do...Most little dogs also have that Coffey ---gaggy thing. My Chihuahua mix does the same thing.

I've had her checked by the vet,she is fine. As for the hair? Brush her once in awhile...

Answer 7

I used to have my cocker spaniel almost shaved at the groomers all the time. I never let that hair grow out. It could be teh hair thats causing the throat problems.

Answer 8

try to take her to a pet groomer, so then you can keep her fur light and comfortable, ma bye then she won't shed so much. For the gaging and coughing, you might want to see a doctor for that. Well good luck with your dog and I hope she feels better!!!

Answer 9

Petsmart has a shampoo called the Furminator. There is a tool that you use along with the shampoo and it will get out all of the undercoat.

Answer 10

I would not shave her and as for the cough, as my dog will also get this. There is medication for it. Please see a vet.